Magic guard Cole Anthony reacts to NBA All-Rookie snub

Anthony, after averaging 12.9 points per game, did not make either NBA All-Rookie Team after the final voting.

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On Thursday, the results of the 2020-21 NBA All-Rookie Teams were announced as Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards were unanimous selections for the First Team.

Rounding out the NBA All-Rookie First Team were Detroit Pistons guard Saddiq Bey and Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate, who went undrafted in 2018. Tate narrowly edged out New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley on the First Team.

Quickley headlined the group players on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Joining Quickley were Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro and Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams.

Perhaps the biggest snub from the voting was Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony.

Anthony, who missed nearly two months with a rib injury, averaged 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 47 games this season. He finished fourth in scoring and fourth in assist average among all rookies to go along with two game-winning shots, as well.

He finished off the season on a high note, averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in nine games during the month of May. His run in the final month included a career-high 37 points in the regular-season finale on May 16.

Despite his strong run to end the season, Anthony earned just one first-team vote and 38 second-team votes for 40 total points. He received the 12th most points in the final voting, finishing behind Denver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo.

Based on his reaction on social media, Anthony didn’t agree with the voting.

The awards voters likely excluded Anthony from the voting after he missed 25 games with his injury. He likely would have been a lock to place among the leaders in voting had he not been hurt as he played like one of the top rookies this season when he was healthy.

While Anthony didn’t place on either team, the 15th overall pick wowed fans, teammates and coaching staff with his play on the court. He was often praised for his hard work and willingness to take over late in games during crunch time and he had a number of clutch moments as a result.

The result certainly wasn’t what Anthony or Magic fans had anticipated, but his exclusion figures to only motivate him, even more, this summer to come back even better next season.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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